What is Textbooks: Definition and 460 Discussions

A textbook is a book containing a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining it. Textbook are produced to meet the needs of educators, usually at educational institutions. Schoolbooks are textbooks and other books used in schools. Today, many textbooks are published in both print and digital formats.

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  1. A

    Is there any hope that textbook prices will ever drop?

    Is there any information out there regarding this topic? I know open source textbooks seem to be becoming popular in some places, and there is now a good amount of free textbooks (legal textbooks, I mean) online. In particular, there's an entire page of free online math textbooks on the...
  2. B

    Linear Algebra Seeking Advice on Linear Algebra Textbooks Selection

    Dear Physics Forum personnel, I am a college sophomore with double majors in mathematics and microbiology. I apologize for this interruption but I wrote this email to seek your advice and recommendation on linear algebra textbook. I will be taking the "theoretical, proof-based" introductory...
  3. icecubebeast

    How to get free mathematics and engineering textbooks?

    How to get free mathematics and engineering textbooks? I need them in pdf file form. The textbooks I want are college and university textbooks. Any website/link that gives free textbooks are welcome. I need them for self study and I'm compiling a library of textbooks.
  4. Y

    Chemistry Recommendation for Chemistry textbooks

    I want a good book on Physical Chemistry at 11-12(university or pre-un) grade level. It should include topics about bonding(VSEPR, VBT, MO) etc. I also need suggestions about some books on organic and inorganic chemistry.
  5. P

    Rigorous Precalculus and Calculus Textbooks + Intro to Linear Algebra

    I am currently studying A level Further Pure Mathematics, and I will be joining university next year. I want to brush up on precalculus (algebra, trigonometry, geometry) and calculus (differential, integral [single variable]), except that this time I need a more rigorous treatment of those...
  6. Y

    Studying Quantum Mechanics Textbooks Problem

    Hi everybody, I am currently a Junior in college studying Physics. I am planning on going to Graduate School, which obviously requires the GREs. I have looked up that the physics GRE is 12% Quantum Mechanics (as per this source https://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/physics). However...
  7. G

    What are the most frequently cited physics textbooks?

    What are the most frequently cited __________ textbooks in the physics literature? Where __________ is: thermodynamics quantum mechanics classical mechanics electromagnetism etc. ? I'm looking for lists based on citation statistics. Surely there are citations data out there on this.
  8. K

    Textbooks with a focus on how things were discovered?

    maybe I'm looking in all the wrong places or its too much detail for one text. all the books i find just give an overview of this without going into detail. I'm teaching myself maths, physics, chemistry and molecular biology, and I'm trying to understand the fundamental concepts (ive learned...
  9. B

    Seeking Advice on my Plan for Calculus Self-Study Textbooks

    Dear PF friends, I am a sophomore with double majors in microbiology and mathematics (just declared on last week) doing research on the computational/quantitative biology research in the field of virology. In future, I want to go to a graduate school in either virology or computational biology...
  10. J

    Advanced textbooks in probability and/or Ito Calculus

    I have a very solid foundation of measure theoretic probability theory, I have taken a graduate course on Ito calculus, along with writing a senior thesis about it. I am looking for advanced measure theoretic probability theory, and advanced books on Ito calculus. I have worked through Durrett...
  11. M

    Do I Need All Three Math Textbooks by Ron Larson?

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1133949010/?tag=pfamazon01-20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1285057090/?tag=pfamazon01-20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1133959741/?tag=pfamazon01-20 So I'm planning on buying the books in the links above (Algebra and trig, precalc and calc by Ron Larson), but as they are...
  12. Soumalya

    TextBooks for Some Topics in Mathematics

    Hi, I need suggestions for picking up some standard textbooks for the following set of topics as given below: Ordinary and singular points of linear differential equations Series solutions of linear homogenous differential equations about ordinary and regular singular points...
  13. P

    Textbooks for various topics in math for scientists

    There are two courses specifically called math methods for scientists (grad level) that are offered in my school. I am doing a interdepartmental degree in microelectronics/solid state physics (Electrical Engineering/Materials Engineering/Physics) focused more on the physics side of it. I...
  14. G

    Simple question regarding vectors in examples of physics textbooks

    I have noticed that in my classical mechanics course and in the textbook I read for it, the portion in examples that require to look at the sum of forces for the system is different than what I am accustomed to in introductory texts. For example, if we were dealing with a system with a ball of...
  15. R

    Seeking recommendations on statistics textbooks

    Hello. I'm currently taking a lower level course in statistics. It is an okay course; however, it is not very rigorous and my professor is a "this is what you need to know" sort of teacher versus one who explains the theory and reasons behind the equations as well. The required textbook for...
  16. C

    Some books to bridge the gap before GR

    Hi all, I am extremely interested in GR, but somehow feel that the books I read are not really enough. Frankly, I find many question on this site and elsewhere completely bewildering, which makes me think that I don't have a solid foundation, especially in classical mechanics and various...
  17. S

    Math and classical mechanics textbooks

    Hello everyone, my name is Silkia and I'm a new member. I am a pediatrician but as with Alejandro in another thread my real love has always been physics. In three occasions I had decided that this was my career choice but long "stories" short, I ended up in medical school. As an undergraduate I...
  18. almarpa

    Physics self teaching (curriculum and textbooks)

    Hello everybody at the forum. My name is Alejandro, and I am a spanish telecommunication engineer, currently working as technologies teacher. My passion has always been physics, and I even thought seriously of studying a physics degree instead of my telecommunication degree. But now, at my 35...
  19. A

    Russian math and science (chemistry and physics) textbooks

    I want to learn math and science from the ground up as my foundations are very weak. Most people I asked recommended that I try to get my hands on Russian textbooks as they are the 'best of the best'. Hearing this got me interested! I have six questions: 1. Are the Russian math and science...
  20. H

    Studying Buying textbooks as opposed to borrowing these

    Hi, my lecturer insists that I buy the brand-name textbooks from all of the branches of physics and to start a collection of these. He insists that using ebooks is not a good approach to learning. Now, he proceeds from the assumption that I will become an academic for whom these textbooks will...
  21. K

    Common Physics & Calculus Textbooks for High Schools

    What are some of the physics and calculus textbooks in common use in American high schools today? I have this fantasy that I want to finish out my career as a H.S teacher rather than an aging cube jockey. I'm pretty sure I understand the material at the high school level, or at least can...
  22. micromass

    Discovering Artistry in Textbooks: Find the Perfect Read

    We had a thread about awful textbooks recently, but what about the converse? Which textbooks do you consider to be incredibly well-written, clear and (almost) flawless. Which books do you consider to be closer to a work of art than a science book. It doesn't matter what topic it is or how...
  23. N

    Textbooks similar to Harvard Math 55

    Hello, I would like to strengthen my math knowledge by going through a series of basic pure math topics. Sort of what Math 55 does at Harvard, which covers linear algebra (Axler) and analysis (Rudin). I have a MSc in Computer Science, so I will not be going through these topics for the first...
  24. Hercuflea

    Taking Physics textbooks on an airplane?

    Hi PF, I'm moving to the UK from the US to start on a M.Sc. in plasma physics this fall. I really want to take some of my undergrad textbooks with me, but the shipping charge is outrageous. There are about 4 books that I must have, but I'd prefer more than that. A 10lb Fedex box said it...
  25. T

    Find USA Textbooks: Math, Biology, Physics, Chem for 9-12

    I am looking for USA textbooks regarding to math, biology, physics, chem for 9-12 class. please help me?
  26. B

    Seeking Advice on Organic Chemistry textbooks

    Hello! I have some questions about the textbooks in the organic chemistry. I have been using the organic textbooks by L.G. Wade, Clayden, and Loudon. I love those books, but I have been hearing that the textbooks wrote by Klein, Carey, Morrison Boyd, and Hornback are really good. Do I...
  27. NathanaelNolk

    General Maths & Physics textbooks for the university

    Hello guys :smile:, First of all, sorry for my bad english, I'm not a native speaker. :) I'm a Swiss currently in High School. I first took Philosophy as a specialization when I began my High School, but as I started to think about what kind of study I wanted to do at University, I...
  28. C

    Choice between 3 Calculus textbooks -

    I've taken a Calculus course with Steward Calclulus, and to be honest I didn't really like that book, so I'm looking for a new book to have in case I'll need to review some differentiation or integration during my science studies. I've seen many mathematicians speak about Michael spivak...
  29. A

    What textbooks are there so that I can learn quantum mechanics?

    So, I was looking for resources where I can learn quantum mechanics. I know very little about it. But I have learned algebra, trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics if that helps. So is there any textbooks on quantum mechanics? If quantum mechanics requires solving...
  30. X

    Studying Recommended Number Theory Textbooks?

    Does anyone know any recommended Number Theory textbooks for independent study? I have a few lecture notes/eBooks, but I always prefer having a physical textbook which I can read and learn from. I would prefer a textbook with exercises + answers, so I can check if my answers are correct. I'm...
  31. Greg Bernhardt

    Engaging Textbooks: Making Learning Interesting for Kids

    What a great teaching opportunity! Why aren't more textbooks gears towards kids actual interests. Most problems are so dry. Include batman or Spider-Man and kids may actually be interested!
  32. T

    What are the best thermal physics textbooks for self-study?

    Hi again, I'm looking for a book to self study thermal physics/statistical mechanics. I would like one with an abundance of worked examples and problems with solutions as well. I've browsed through a few other threads and found these were the general "good" books deemed by the community...
  33. F

    Studying What textbooks correspond to what courses?

    I want to teach myself physics and math - I'm currently halfway through my first year in physics, but I hate riding the magic gravy train where my professors spoon feed me little bits of information - where there's some stuff I won't see for a year or two even though physics isn't necessarily...
  34. NATURE.M

    Theory of computation textbooks

    I want to know what textbooks you would recommend to prepare for a very challenging course on computational theory that I'll be taking in the fall. Brief description: The rigorous application of logic and proof techniques to Computer Science. Propositional and predicate logic; mathematical...
  35. P

    Studying Do you answer every problem in textbooks?

    When trying to learn/review by using textbooks? do you usually answer everything or you just answer till you think you understand well enough?
  36. M

    Affordable Second Hand Textbooks: A Look at Quality and Savings

    Would you buy a second hand textbook if you couldn't afford a brand new one? On amazon for example there are $100 books selling for $5 second hand or multihand but I just have a feeling they will have scribbles and crap all over them. What is your general experience from buying multihand books?
  37. M

    Can't find any trigonometry textbooks under the math section

    Hi, I've looked under the mathematics textbook section on this site and I can see algebra and geometry but not a single trigonometry book... Is trigonometry normally covered in algebra books something? My trigonometry is really quite terrible and I know the absolute basics so I'm looking for...
  38. D

    Choosing the Right Textbooks for Physics Students

    Hi, I recently got some money and I wanted to pick up some textbooks that are worth the ridiculous prices that they go for. So I was thinking of getting; Mechanics - Landau (Debated Goldstein but the reviews for Landau won me over and I find that even though Goldstein is more dense, it...
  39. N

    What are the best textbooks for AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C (Mechanics)?

    Can you recommend me at least 2 college textbooks for AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C (Mechanics)? I really want to score 5's on both of them next year and I need 2 textbooks that has many challenging problems and accurate solutions in the back. I want the name of the textbook, edition, author...
  40. PhysicsKid0123

    Calculus-based physics textbooks.

    I am looking for a rigorous-calculus based introductory physics textbook with very good conceptual presentations. I would like one that provides mathematical derivations and proofs for the formulas and equations using calculus. I have a calculus based textbook, but it is severely lacking. The...
  41. K

    Exploring Old Math Textbooks: Where to Find & Recommended Authors

    I came across an old math book written in the 1930-40s on number theory. I became very impressed with the detail in which the book went into the subject. In comparison to the textbooks available currently, it consisted of mostly worded text. Does anyone know where I can get my hands on some old...
  42. M

    What are some affordable textbooks for high school math and science self-study?

    Hey guys; can anyone recommend some tough textbooks for math and science high school and calculus level. Not the 100$ new ones but some old ones such as some listed in the "So you want to be a mathematcian" thread? Thanks.
  43. C

    Why don't most textbooks help the readers to get abstract concepts?

    I was always good at maths, just because primary/high school math was simple enough to find concrete examples for the abstract concepts, and that helped me a lot on exams. Since then I tried to grasp more advanced concepts. But I always faced with pure overformalized, overgeneralized stuff...
  44. Seydlitz

    Classic German Science Textbooks and Writings

    I wonder if the German speaking members have recommendation to classic German textbooks or writings in Physics and Mathematics. I prefer undergraduate level but you can of course share other important works. I am also interested in learning German physics and mathematical terms since they have...
  45. Seydlitz

    Alternative to buying textbooks at Amazon

    Hi guys, I'm looking good website to buy textbooks online beside Amazon.com. I know it is preferred but I can't help but notice the high-price offered there. For instance I want to purchase University Physics by Young and Freedman, but it's almost 200$ there. I'm surprised, is it normal for...
  46. A

    Good introductory engineering textbooks?

    I'd like to find out the names of well known and comprehensive introductory texts(at the undergraduate level) in electrical engineering, mechanical (and) aerospace engineering. I'm looking at the something like what University Physics(Sears and Zemansky), Resnick and Halliday are in physics.
  47. P

    Suggestions for textbooks (CM and E&M)

    I am a sophomore applied mathematics major and would like to teach myself some physics. I can I would like suggestions on a good book on intermediate mechanics. I have looked up the pre-reqs at my college and I have already have taken those classes. I would like a book that has worked out...
  48. F

    Online courses or textbooks on fusion power?

    I've seen a few posts about fusion on this thread so I thought I'd give this a shot: I'm an mechanical engineering grad student working in alternative energy and have become interested in learning more about fusion (I'm currently conducting research on fuel cell systems). What are some good...
  49. NATURE.M

    Discover the Best Linear Algebra Textbooks for Your University Studies

    So I wanted to begin studying linear algebra prior to the start of my first academic year at university. One textbook I want to use is "Linear Algebra Done Right" by sheldon axler. Any feedback on this text would be nice.
  50. S

    Studying What are some good textbooks to use to teach myself Physics?

    Hey, I'm new here! I am a Sophomore in high school way over in urban Idaho, and I am at an impass. I have an extreme desire to learn physics, which I could take next year but decided to take AP Chem instead (I am taking AP Bio this year). So naturally I decided that I would teach myself...
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